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Disease Profile

Light chain deposition disease

Prevalence
Prevalence estimates on Rare Medical Network websites are calculated based on data available from numerous sources, including US and European government statistics, the NIH, Orphanet, and published epidemiologic studies. Rare disease population data is recognized to be highly variable, and based on a wide variety of source data and methodologies, so the prevalence data on this site should be assumed to be estimated and cannot be considered to be absolutely correct.

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US Estimated

Europe Estimated

Age of onset

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ICD-10

D89.8

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant A pathogenic variant in only one gene copy in each cell is sufficient to cause an autosomal dominant disease.

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Autosomal recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of each gene of the chromosome are needed to cause an autosomal recessive disease and observe the mutant phenotype.

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X-linked
dominant X-linked dominant inheritance, sometimes referred to as X-linked dominance, is a mode of genetic inheritance by which a dominant gene is carried on the X chromosome.

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X-linked
recessive Pathogenic variants in both copies of a gene on the X chromosome cause an X-linked recessive disorder.

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Mitochondrial or multigenic Mitochondrial genetic disorders can be caused by changes (mutations) in either the mitochondrial DNA or nuclear DNA that lead to dysfunction of the mitochondria and inadequate production of energy.

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Multigenic or multifactor Inheritance involving many factors, of which at least one is genetic but none is of overwhelming importance, as in the causation of a disease by multiple genetic and environmental factors.

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Not applicable

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Other names (AKA)

Light-chain deposition disease

Summary

Light chain deposition disease (LCDD) is a rare condition characterized by the deposition of specific proteins (monoclonal light chains) in the kidneys and other organs. Light chains are used to make antibodies that the body needs to fight infection. People with LCDD make too many light chains, which get deposited in many body tissues. While LCDD can occur in any organ, the kidneys are always involved. Signs and symptoms of LCDD may include protein in the urine; decreased kidney function; and/or nephrotic syndrome. Rarely, a person with LCDD may have symptoms from cardiac (heart) or liver involvement.

The underlying cause of LCDD is unknown. It is often associated with multiple myeloma. LCDD may progress to multiple myeloma, or it may be present with multiple myeloma when it is first diagnosed.

The goal of treating LCDD is to slow the production of light chains and their damage to organs. Treatment may include chemotherapy with a drug called Bortezomib; autologous stem cell transplantation; immunomodulatory drugs; and/or kidney transplant. If untreated, end-stage renal disease occurs in 70% of cases.[1][2][3]

Organizations

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

    Organizations Providing General Support

      Learn more

      These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

      Where to Start

      • The International Myeloma Foundation offers information on light chain deposition disease on their Web site. Click on the link above to view the information page.

        In-Depth Information

        • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
        • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
        • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Light chain deposition disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

          References

          1. Boppana S and RA Sacher. Light-Chain Deposition Disease. Medscape Reference. June 17, 2014; https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/202585-overview.
          2. S Vincent Rajkumar. Pathogenesis of immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis and light and heavy chain deposition diseases. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; July, 2016;
          3. S Vincent Rajkumar. Clinical presentation, laboratory manifestations, and diagnosis of immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis). UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; July, 2016;